Thankful

Yes, feeling thankful.  After five days in Southwest Wisconsin, I traveled back home to the north woods today.  My parents are doing good, but just waiting now for my dad's next surgery on March 2.  I'll be back to help the folks in 2 1/2 weeks.  It's tough with cancer....appointments, monitoring, surgery, pain and just trying to live a normal life.  I'm thankful my dad isn't going through chemo or radiation because that would totally rob him of a somewhat normal life.  I told my dad that after this surgery to remove more tumors in his bladder, he can then enjoy a wonderful summer, with NO APPOINTMENTS!  For now, we won't think about the fall months.  Just take one month at a time.

When I arrived home today, Bike man pointed out our amaryllis was blooming.  There are still more unopened blossoms just waiting to open. Don't you just love the color?  

And my sweet little Annabelle!  She was so happy to see me, along with the other three felines.  My BIG cat Aiden hasn't left my side since I got home.  He is my 24 pound lap cat!!!  Zero degrees outside, no problem.  Aiden will keep me warm....better than a blanket ya know!

PS.  28 years ago today, Bike man and I welcomed our son Christopher in our lives.  I thought for sure I was having another baby girl, but was totally surprise to give birth to a baby boy!  Love you Chris....we are so proud of you. 

Lake Riding

Getting out again in the sunshine today felt so good. I think the sunshine is finally drying out my sinus infection. After setting up some tip-ups on the lake ice, Bike man and I rode our bikes around on the lake. The snow depth is perfect for riding, but that will change due to a snow storm moving in tomorrow so we enjoyed our time on the bikes.

Riding on the snowmobile trails was actually fun and effortless.

Our bikes were always ready and waiting. When the flags went up, we hopped on the bikes and rode out to catch the fish......well, we rode out to each tip-up, but we never caught any fish!

Yup, no fish.....

Our beverage of choice while we wait for the fish to bite! This particular Merlot is young and slightly sweet and is perfect for a 40 degree afternoon.

Bike man roasts the best hot dogs. I like mine with relish and ketchup on a toasted bun! Just a simple northern Wisconsin winter afternoon.

The Joy of Apples

When I think of apple orchards, I always think of the orchards in southwest Wisconsin where I grew up. You see, I grew up in the land of ridges and valleys, where apple growing is perfect and the countryside is beautiful. So today while visiting my folks, Bike man, the Son and I headed over to a local family-run apple orchard. The old wooden building is now gone, but replaced with a brand new larger building and warehouse.

Ten months ago this historic apple orchard suffered a terrible fire that destroyed the main apple building/store and apple warehouse. Coming back this weekend to visit the new apple facilitate was amazing. You have to have total faith and love into the apple growing business to work so hard putting together a whole new apple store in less than a year. I was impressed. Apples, apple cider donuts, apple butter, apple cider, caramel apples, apple pies, apple cookies....you name it, they had it all!

So what did I buy? Honey Crisp apples of course! The Son bought the apple cider donuts.....oh so sinful!

His Name is Andy

This is Andy

Public speaking is not easy for some of us, but imagine being special needs! Last night Bike man participated as a contest judge for the annual Conservation & Environmental Awareness Speaking Contest in Menomonie, WI. Quite an honor for Bike man! So I decided to come along to listen to the student speeches that dealt with all kinds of environmental issues. There just happen to be about seven or eight students from our school district that were competing in this event. It was fun to sit and listen to their individual speeches about the concerns of sand mining, water quality, endangered species, wetlands and the troubles with the Minnesota Boundary Waters Canoe Area and the recent wildfires.

One particular student, Andy, did an awesome job talking about Wisconsin wetlands, why wetlands are so important ecological speaking and why we need to regulate the problem of over development in wetland areas in Wisconsin. Good stuff.....lots of passion.....and guess what? Andy is autistic! Over the years I've watched Andy grow and mature. Standing in front of an audience and speaking for 8 minutes is not easy, but Andy gave his all last night. His biggest thrill was earning his first ever trophy last night for first place in the contest. The smile said it all.....so happy for him.

So Sad

Felt really bad today at work when I just happen to be in the Colfax Police Department when the call came in from Hennepin County Minnesota to our Police Chief that he needed to notify a local family of a death. This family member (father) was involved in an auto accident earlier in the morning. My stomach turned at that moment since I had been watching WCCO news earlier in the morning and heard about a terrible accident that involved a semi truck driver that hit a light pole as he was entering the Lowry tunnel on I-94. When the Chief came back from the family resident an hour later, I had a chance to talk to him and confirmed this local Colfax man (husband & father) was killed in this terrible accident. My heart just sank.....remember, I work in a small community where everyone knows everyone. Found out later today who the family was that lost their dad. So sad.

Talked to our daughter tonight and she came upon the accident 5-10 minutes after it happened. Luckily, she was able to find an alternate route to work and avoid the massive traffic jam this morning. You know, life can be taken away so quickly. Please appreciate each day that God gives you and live your life to the fullest.....thinking of his family tonight.

Just My Opinion

Tainter Lake (from a different angle)

Tensions were running high among friends and family affected by today's legislative sessions at our State Capital in Madison. I believe 20,000 people protested at the Capital today. I can't help but feel really bad for all the little people in our state that work hard and try to make a decent living. Why is it that the little people always take the brunt of our countries financial problems? Why is it that the little people are always made to look like the villains? Honestly, I don't believe the little people created all the financial problems our country is in, but some don't' see it that way. It's all about business and big tax breaks.

I spoke with a friend tonight that says if our state Legislature passes the Reform Bill, her daughter's BadgerCare will be in jeopardy.....and just one of her medications causes $7,000 dollars a month.....just one. Where is my friend suppose to turn for medical help and assistance, especially since her husband died four years ago and she manages her finances on just one income? Do we just turn our backs on people who truly need medical assistance? Some people say yes, and then those people just turn and look away. How can they do that?

One thing I've learned in everything going on this week, is that you have to put yourself in the shoes of others. Not everyone is fortunate to have higher education, good paying jobs, decent wages, good benefits, good health insurance etc. etc........


To take away bargaining rights of hard working people is cruel and inhumane. Are we turning into China, where workers have no say in working conditions or fair wages? Sounds like it to me!

In the history of Wisconsin, we haven't seen this kind of passion from the working class in years...well not in my life time and I'm 50 yrs. old. I will continue to support my friends who will be affected by Governor Walker's Reform Bill. I will accept loosing several thousand dollar of my own salary to kick in for health insurance and Wisconsin Retirement, but please Wisconsin Legislature's, don't take away collective bargaining for the small, hard working citizen.

PS. I read today that the average teacher's take-home pay will be lowered by 10% if this bill passes. Tell me how this won't affect our local economy in Wisconsin?

Ok, I'm done ranting now! Thanks for hearing me out!!!!!